San Antonio’s cold shoulder worries UFL

San Antonio’s lack of enthusiasm for the United Football League could force the league to turn its sights elsewhere, UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue suggested Tuesday.

“I think we have to have more discussion because there are a number of other markets that are certainly very positive about the prospect of having a professional team with affordable prices and family entertainment,” Huyghue told ESPN 1250-AM.

In its ranking of potential expansion markets, the UFL once considered San Antonio a “10,” Huyghue said in an interview with the “Chris & Jason Show.”

But a drumbeat of concern among San Antonio civic leaders and UTSA officials that the UFL would impede the progress of the Roadrunners’ fledgling football program has forced the league to re-examine its focus on the Alamo City.

“It definitely was a hiccup,” Huyghue said of fears the UFL would impede UTSA’s ability to attract sponsors and fans.

The UFL also has Omaha, Neb., and Salt Lake City on its radar as it looks to expand from four to six teams. UTSA begins play in 2011.

“The thing we don’t want to do is go into a market where there is a perception we are competition or something negative,” Huyghue said. “…We are evaluating it still, but it is certainly something where we want to be welcomed…”

Huyghue’s comments came just days after the city announced it would be willing to talk to the UFL about a one-year lease at the Alamodome, a decision that raised eyebrows in some quarters of Bexar County.

“Our focus should be on UTSA,” County Judge Nelson Wolff told the Express-News. “The UFL will divert a lot of attention from UTSA. I would think it would be a mistake (to lease the Alamodome to the UFL.)”

The city’s stance of being open to only a one-year deal could also be stumbling block for the UFL.

“I think the best sign of a league that is going to have some staying power is a group that is looking for multiple-year deals,” Huyghue said. “…if you really want the UFL or UTSA or any league to be successful, then you want to put some momentum behind it. In the places we’ve gone in, we’ve done two-year leases, three-year leases and made those financial commitments and not defaulted any of them.”

Huyghue said the league will reveal one of the expansion cities in two weeks. Both will be known within the next 30 days, he said.